Forces that opposed Liberation War now defined by law: Asaduzzaman
He says his party, BNP, has termed parts of the "July Charter" as misleading
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (1 May) said forces that opposed Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971 have now been clearly defined through legislation passed in parliament.
He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a May Day discussion held in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah this morning.
The minister said individuals who collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War, along with their local collaborators such as Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakar forces, have been clearly identified in the recently enacted Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Amendment) Act, 2026.
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Explaining the provisions of the law, he said the definition of "freedom fighter" under Section 2, Sub-section 10 specifies that individuals who fought for Bangladesh's independence against the Pakistani military and their auxiliary forces, including political groups like the then Muslim League, Nezam-e-Islami Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, are recognised as freedom fighters.
"From this legal definition, it is now clearly established that the then Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the Liberation War and stood against the independence of Bangladesh," he said.
Asaduzzaman further said that when the amendment bill was placed in parliament, Jamaat-e-Islami did not raise any objection. "Their silence effectively indicates consent," he remarked, adding that the National Citizen Party (NCP) had submitted written support for the amendment.
Referring to contemporary political issues, Asaduzzaman said his party has termed parts of the "July Charter" as misleading.
"BNP will take necessary steps to implement the charter where appropriate, but it does not agree with the deceptive elements, particularly those related to the referendum component," he said.
The discussion programme was organised by the Shailkupa municipal unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal.
Upazila BNP President Abul Hossain, General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz and Organising Secretary Mustafizur Rahman Turki also spoke at the event.
